Clare Balding opened a dog festival at the weekend with an adopted pooch from Sussex.
Elder, who was adopted from Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare in Ringmer near Lewes, accompanied the broadcaster as she opened Goodwoof with a parade of hundreds of labradors.
Elder displayed a message on his vest highlighting that many of his friends at Raystede still need a home.
He was able to let his tail down and enjoy the festivities at the annual event held on the Goodwood Eastate by taking part in dog yoga, cooling down in the doggy lido and dancing at the Ministry of Hound.
Before Elder met his forever family in December 2022, he struggled with some behavioural issues.
The team at Raystede worked with him intensively before he was ready to be rehomed.
Alesha Zubiena, Elder’s owner, said: “When our previous rescue dog sadly passed away, there was no question that we wanted to adopt another furry friend.
"We’re locals to Raystede so it was only right for us to give one of their dogs a second chance which is where we met Elder. Like any dog, with patience and training he’s settled in nicely into our home and getting him has been the best thing we’ve ever done.
"Raystede was amazing at supporting us throughout the whole adoption process."
Matt Gough, head of operations from Raystede, said: “Elder came into our care at just nine months old and stayed with us for a long 18 months whilst we helped him learn the valuable life lessons until we found him his perfect match.
“We’re so proud and happy to see how far he has come and we’re so thankful for adopters like Alesha and her family who take rescue dogs into their hearts and homes.
“We’re so excited to attend Goodwoof and use this celebration of dogs to champion rescues and encourage more people to bring home a new four-legged friend through adopting.”
Elder was also representing a campaign called The Adoption Mission by Mars Petcare, which owns brands inlcuding Dreamies and Whiskas.
Through the scheme, Mars Petcare will waiver adoption fees for up to 25 new owners at Raystede.
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